Rex Montgomery

McDermott-Crockett & Associates Mortuary

Altogether<br/>4307 Vineland Road, Suite H-17-19, Orlando, FL 32811<br/>For more information, visit our website at <a href='www.altogetherfuneral.com'>www.altogetherfuneral.com</a><br/>Copyright © 2025 FPG Intermediate Holdco, LLC

Written by Rex Montgomery's Spouse, Mary K Montgomery: 

Rex L. Montgomery 91 of Santa Maria California, and Treasurer of Santa Maria Lodge #1538 has succumbed on January 30, 2018 at Dignity Marian Regional Hospital to ionized radiation cancers this last one began in his thyroid glands and spread to lungs, brain, and bones. He had previously survived bladder and prostate cancers, put in claims for disability in 2002 and was denied any veteran's benefits, a new claim was submitted in December 2017 and was pending decisions and he died a painful death struggling for oxygen to his body! Now his financially strapped widow will have to pursue his case with this Government that took her beloved soulmate from her and all other Ionized Radiated families who are still waiting for Congress to act and give these families living and survivors what they should have had many years ago Monetary Compensation and Recognition of their Heroism! Oregon has 15 miles known as The Atomic Veteran's Highway. Sergeant Rex Montgomery was from California and first there on ground zero and no compensation or honors All Las Vegas people in the area of this site have long been awarded $75,000 in a Class Action or pay outs of $1500. /mo. Rex was at ground zero and has received nothing only aggravation to prove he was even there! These cancers bladder and prostrate were also due to Ionized radiation to and in his body He enjoyed the military and joined the California National Guard. Camp San Luis Obispo, Camp Cook now VAFB and was Federalized in 1950-1952 and as Sergeant he trained this 161st unit of about 225 soldiers for combat to send to Korea. 21 went to Korea and most of the rest went with Sergeant Rex L. Montgomery. His assignment was unknown but his 161st unit was the very first to arrive at the Atomic Testing Bomb site in Las Vegas known as Nevada Frenchman Flat. and Camp Desert Rock August 1951 to December 1951 the Governments secretive very first Atomic Blasts were conducted on USA soil by air with planes dropping nuclear bombs on this site to evaluate effects at ground zero on live stock, weapons, equipment buildings and human guinea pigs, USA soldiers from Rex's 161st division of San Luis Obispo's Camp Cook Is it any wonder he never wanted to talk about these horrific tests, it took a trip to the NAAV Museum in 2015 and a trip to Camp Desert Rock on a bus to the ground zero site that he shared his story of the first three nuclear tests. all his men have died from thyroid and lung cancers; it took a long time for him to reconcile his belief that this would somehow save lives. Is It any wonder he kept as busy with his life trying to always better his Country, Locally or Nationally? He was always defending the American Flag If there had been a contest for SOLDIER USA AMERICANISM HERO he would have won hands down. Along with the duties of Treasurer he was AMERICANISM CHAIRPERSON which included a yearly Essay Contest for the Santa Maria's Bonita Schools A Contest about Americanism for 5th and 8th graders and he loved this assignment and never desired any other position, Lodge #1538 Officer Rex Montgomery visited many schools to share Flag Etiquette and award plaques to businesses and homes who flew their flags 24/7 with lights shining at night on Old Glory How Our acquaintance with Attorney Michael Clayton, who honors all veterans on Veteran's Day at the American Legion Hall with a fabulous BBQ sponsored by The Claytons' and prepared by Santa Maria Lodge #1538 came about when Lodge Officer Rex Montgomery of #1538 presented a plaque to Michael's office and a wonderful relationship began for Michael Clayton to honor this WWII Soldier and Atomic War Veteran. Michael and his wonderful family played a major part in their wedding last fall, Michael gave the bride away to this honorable distinguished soldier gentleman! Eventually there at this Camp Desert Rock he became Master Sergeant Rex L. Montgomery and his assignment was to have his soldiers at these first three tests conducted known as Ranger Buster and Jangle They began bringing equipment to record the effects of the bombs at ground zero; three of his soldiers returned to Camp Cook seriously ill and died of thyroid cancer shortly after. A Pvt Frank Rowan is a Korean Vet trained by Sergeant Montgomery and is testifying with a notarized letter that Sergeant Rex L. Montgomery went to Las Vegas and all Korean Vets are dying of natural causes. Master Sergeant Rex L. Montgomery's men all died of thyroid and lung cancers. and he was a lone survivor! Frank says the soldiers returning from Camp Desert Rock said they had no protection for these atomic blasts at ground zero they told what was happening even if it meant being tried for treason, prison or $10.000 fines for telling; they had broken their pledge of silence to Pvt Frank Rowan! Sergeant Rex L. Montgomery was at three atomic blasts all named in his records yet they say he wasn't there. He couldn't talk about it until 10 years ago and his testimony has been documented in a Movie THE ATOMC SOLDIERS showing at a Festival in Columbia MO from March 1-4 2018 also True/False Film Festival one of the leading documentary film festivals in the USA has selected the film as well While in the hospital we shared the movie on our cell phones and these wonderful nurses would all salute him and thank him for his service to our Country! Band of Brothers a group of Santa Maria veterans led by Steven Baerd came in to train to take care of his catheter placed into his lungs so he could breathe better Had he returned home the catheter would have to be drained twice a day, it is called a Plur-X several trips to ER and calls to our home with my calling 911to take him to hospital because he couldn't breathe to be given oxygen and schedule to remove fluids liters at a time were happening and his spouse with severe hand injuries welcomed these other heroes into our lives.
Rex never showed any signs of this last cancer but this one was a killer coming so unexpected except shortness of breath, weakness in legs working with little pain right up to September 28, 2017 at Macy Homes as a popular salesperson in the manufactured home business, previously trained by his successful manager his spouse Mary "K" and with a team of others we had a successful satellite office for Advantage Homes of Arroyo Grande and San Jose in Buellton, California. We truly loved our work helping clients, who most became personal friends, downsize and build their dream homes in the Santé Ynez Valley; and as Treasurer he had performed his 'Friday night cook-your own at SM Lodge #1538 on September 8, 2017' but this one wore him down quickly; no energy falling couldn't eat no one knew. why until he was diagnosed as having Stage IV terminal thyroid cancer on October 3, 2017! Dr Jane Morash a marvelous VA doctor here at our Santa Maria clinic had never seen him sick in almost 4 years of taking care of him or our Dr. Schrager in almost 20 years of treating our ailments, he thought Rex would beat this too. he was going to be the "oldest WWII veteran" and this was written in the love story of his spouse and soulmate Mary Carmela and a new wedding was being planned as Rex had become a Roman Catholic and Mary Carmela went through 18 months of Annulment process having witnessed Mother Angelica on EWTN praying to her for herself and Rex and watching Come Home Catholic daily. A beautiful Wedding Mass took place on Mary "K" s 81st Birthday October 14 2017. The Santa Maria Lodge #1538 Officers of which Rex remained as Treasurer until he had to resign in December 2017 because he was unable to even write his name; were to be in a parade that day but Exalted Ruler Tony Dart said no we are canceling our participation in this event and going to help them celebrate and enjoy and witness this wonderful love story as they receive Jesus together at this beautiful sacramental wedding. 
He moved to Santa Maria from Pismo Beach and proof of Rex being a resident of Santa Maria for over 50 years he was asked to join the Santa Maria Pioneer Club. Rex was born to his mother Ruth a teacher for many years and a surrogate for women's rights to vote. and Rupert Montgomery in Delaware OH where he worked with his dad in various machine shops and garages, an only son with three sisters who adored him especially his 1936 ford convertible with rumble seat, he enlisted in the Army in WWII in 1944 instead of accepting a baseball career with Cardinals Not only was Rex a WWII Soldier and an Atomic War Soldier, His father and uncle both served in WWI.
Rex is survived by everyone who knew him he was beloved by all. Rex is survived by soulmate Mary Carmela Diodati Montgomery (aka Mary "K") Sister Barbara Welker, Welker Family Nephews, Nieces, Grand Nephews, Grand Nieces Sister Kay Bostwick and all Bostwick Family Nephews, Nieces, Grand Nephews all of Delaware Ohio. Leonard step family who loved him dearly, Son Dan and Grandson Jason and Nicole and Great Granddaughter Chloe Trina Marie, all of NH Great Granddaughter Nadiah and Great Grandson Owen now of ME and extended loving family of Maureen Carter and her children Brian, Brendan and Maggie, all of Merrimack NH and Son John W. spouse Cheryl Ann and Grandsons Joel, spouse and Great Grandson Jaxx all of Greenville RI a WWII wounded Paratrooper uncle Jerry , who bred and raced some wondrous horses in race horse tracks of Cranston RI many first cousins of this uncle and Cousin Cammy and Buddy Soares Family Cousin Millie and Jimmie De Stefano and family all of Bristol RI Spouse Mary born in town of Boston grew up in New England surrounded by a loving family of aunts uncles and many cousins both in New England and California.
Rex was preceded in death by his Beloved Mother Ruth and Father Rupert Montgomery and many loved grandparents and many aunts and uncles of Ohio; Beloved sister Joanne and Brother-in-laws Franklin Welker and Thurman Main of Delaware OH We were all heartbroken to tragically loose our only Granddaughter Trina Marie Leonard at age 27, in March 2010. 
Ironworker and one of his best friends George Huestis of Fresno CA worked with Rex most of his Ironworker Trade years and had this to say Rex was a good gentle man! Loved his children and Grandchildren and would have done anything for any of his wonderful family, especially his mom. Tommie Parrish a dear close friend knew Rex, worked with him, golfed regularly as a foursome with Roni Bell and they played an important part in getting these two soulmates together at Shaw's Restaurant, Rex and Mary "K" loved to dance, they were both passionate about music and dancing, although Rex was deaf they were always in tune to any beat on that dance floor! He told her that she was the girl he had dreamed of to spend the rest of his life with; We met May 10, 1996 and Keeper of the Stars was our-theme song at our wedding in May 10 1997 She told him first we'll dance and then we'll talk. Mary "K" discovered this soulmate could sing at Masses and Karaoke where our friend John Hardy of Electric Nights signed him up for many contests that much to Rex's surprise he won many contests in SLO and SB Counties. This Couple Mary "K" and Rex would later sponsor visiting up-coming country stars with Nashville To You tours for two-years at Maverick's on N. Broadway, Santa Maria. We hosted Sugarland twice Little Big Town Jack Turner-Josh Turner Danielle Peck Rodney Atkins and others last one was a 16 yr old Taylor Swift our Big Green Machines Director Producer went with her to storm her into Country Stardom. We participated with Sunny Country and enjoyed every artist and excitement of introducing these stars to Santa Maria, California.
Tommie Parrish wrote of Rex here at our home when I asked him to and his tribute to this dear friend of his is: Our friend Rex Montgomery has left us. Those of us who knew him will miss his upbeat personality, his sense of humor and his overall goodness. He had many hats to wear over his 91 years on this planet. He was an iron worker for over 25 years and had recently received his 50-year pin for service to this Union Local 155. He was a salesman, a builder and an accomplished Karaoke singer, we will all miss his impersonations of Willie Nelson singing and look-alike contests. He cared deeply about Santa Maria and twice ran for City Council in an effort to make a positive impact on his community. His integrity and honesty were unquestioned. He is a 21-year member of the Elks and Treasurer when he passed away. He was also a member of the Pismo Beach Moose the SM Eagles, the American Veterans Legion, life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the NAAV National Association of Atomic Veterans and the Santa Maria Valley Pioneers where our dear friends Al and Pauline Novo have been honored by their dedication to preserving the History of Santa Maria and Guadalupe. They were very active with our two campaigns to serve the City of SM as a City Council member and we became dear friends dancing parties and many social functions over the years. Rex was veteran of WWII, joined 1st AF in Florida and Federalized to CA National Guard as a Mstr Sergeant at Camp Cook 1950 and in the course of serving his country he was radiated by being exposed to atomic blasts. He tells his story of these horrific bombings in Las Vegas in a movie The Atomic Soldiers, yet to be released. Rex spent most of his life in service to others. He was given many plaques and honors, but he never mentioned these. He took his satisfaction in knowing he had helped. He loved his city and his country above all other things. He will sorely be missed.

Our dear friends from Elkdom Don and Nancy Schafer contributed this for Rex's Memory Book, "A good friend will always put up with your worst and will always see your best." This was Rex, he was always there, a smile on his face and with his heart of gold. Rex always said he was too ornery to let anything get him -however none of us are on this earth forever. Our last memories of Rex will always be special, with his glass held high, a champagne toast to Mary K and friends attending their special wedding celebration. Rex, you will truly be missed your memory is in our hearts forever! Don & Nancy Schafer
Services: Seating Treasurer - Santa Maria Lodge #1538 open to all on February 28th @11:00 AM Lunch will be served and color honor guard in attendance .Memories and Movies shared at and after lunch in SM Elk's Dining Room.
Vigil: February 22nd @5:00 PM St Joseph Nipomo Rosary and remembrances.
MASS: February 23rd @1100 AM followed by lunch served in hall served by Martha's Ministry. 
Blessed Ashes will be spread w/ a USA flag insignia on a scattering wood urn on Hole 7.
Rancho Maria Golf Course in SM, Son Dan from NH played there and other golf courses with his dad.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Santa Maria's Elk's National Foundation.

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Rex Montgomery

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